Red Cedar Trail Half Marathon and 38k at Giant City State Park

🏞️ Race Overview

Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is a premier destination for hiking, lodging, and camping in southern Illinois. We are now proud to offer a premier trail ½ marathon majorly utilizing the Red Cedar Trail.

• New for 2025: A second loop has been added to bring twice the distance, and twice the fun!
• Teen Incentive: Cross country and teen runners will be capped at a $40 entry to the half marathon.
• T-Shirt Option: The t-shirt is now an add-on instead of an automatic upcharge for those that wish to forgo a race shirt.
• Packet Pickup: If you change your mind, there should be some extra at packet pick-up. First come, first served.

🏃‍♂️ Course Details

The course will consist of mostly single track, but will have some gravel road connectors, horse trails, fields, and less than a mile of paved road connectors. The trail varies from very technical to runnable in sections, boasting over 1500 feet of elevation gain (one loop).

• Creek Crossings: Expect the possibility of getting your feet wet in several creek crossings, rain dependent!
• Starting Point: The 2025 course starts at Pavilion 5. Start/Finish GPS
• Packet Pickup: 6-6:45 am on race day: early pickup from 5-6 pm at Pavilion 5.
• Course Markings: The course will be well-marked with ribbons and arrows. All intersections will have directional signs and confidence markers.

There will be 2 well-stocked aid stations on the course, and 1 water station. Be prepared to be self-sufficient between aid stations, and be aware that it may take an hour or more depending on your physical condition. This is a cupless race.

• Self-Sufficiency: Be prepared to be self-sufficient between aid stations.
• No Cups: There will be no cups on the race course. Prepare accordingly.
• Physical Condition: Be aware that it may take an hour or more depending on your physical condition.

🎁 SWAG and Finisher Perks

Each participant will receive a swag bag full of goodies, with the option to receive a t-shirt for a $10 add-on. Each finisher will receive a medal and a beer from the air-conditioned lodge! (Must be 21 years-of-age or older) You may also select a non-alcoholic beverage.

• Guaranteed Shirt: LAST DAY FOR GUARANTEED SHIRT IS APRIL 20TH.
• Post-Race Dining: The Giant City Lodge also offers dining options for participants, family, and friends for a post-race meal. Be sure to check out their famous fried chicken!

🏕️ Accommodations

If you would like sleeping accommodations, the Giant City Lodge has cabins to rent. May is a busy month, so call and book early! (618) 457-4921

• Camping Options: Located along the race course, Giant City State Park also has electric and primitive camping options.
• Hotel Proximity: Carbondale is only 15-20 minutes away and offers many hotel options.
• BnB Options: Also located nearby are many BnB options.